Gaza conflict putting off visitors to Bethlehem

Recent unrest in Gaza is deterring Christmas pilgrimages to Bethlehem,
according to reports.

Around 140,000 people visited Bethlehem last Christmas, but tourism authorities say that figure is likely to fall sharply this yearPhoto: ALAMY

11:41AM GMT 14 Dec 2012

Although the small Palestinian town, identified in the New Testament as the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, lies around 40 miles to the west of Gaza – and five miles south of Jerusalem – recent hostilities between Israel and Hamas appear to have had an impact.

Around 140,000 people visited Bethlehem last Christmas, but tourism authorities say that figure is likely to fall sharply this year.

“We expected a decrease in tourism, and many tourists have cancelled,” Carmen Ghattas, spokeswoman for the Bethlehem Municipality, told CNN. “This season if the tourists do not come we will not have a good economic situation, and the citizens will be affected.”

She added that, while the recent conflict was largely confined to Gaza, the West Bank had sustained some damage, and a number of rockets were fired at Jerusalem.

Jiries Qumsiyeh, spokesman for the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, confirmed there had been "some cancellations".

Earlier this year the Church of the Nativity – built on the spot where many believe Jesus was born, and the key attraction for visitors to the town – became the first Palestinian World Heritage Site. Its inscription came after Palestine was granted membership of UNESCO last year.